Princess Willowyn's Arc

Chapter 5 of 70

Morning light woke Willowyn. The fox stirred beside her head, its green fur shifting against the pillow. On her desk sat fresh bread and butter, left by the servants. She reached for a warm crust, then stopped. Voices drifted through her window. Not servant voices. Men's voices, low and tired, coming from the courtyard below. She crept to the glass and looked down. Strangers stood on the pale stone. Their cloaks were dark and mud-stained. They had traveled far. Her mother faced them, silver crown catching the sun, white gown still against the moss and vines. "I wonder why mortals would come to our kingdom," Willowyn whispered. The fox pricked its ears. She pulled a robe over her gown and slipped into the hall. She went down the winding stair on soft feet. She stopped in the shadow of a pillar and listened. The Queen's voice was cold and controlled. "You bring war to my gates," she said. "No we only seek shelter for a little while we are lost." A man stepped forward. One soldier stood apart from the rest. He was younger than the others, near her own years by mortal count. His skin was dark, his hair black and curled. His dark cloak hung wet at the hem. He did not plead like the others. He watched the Queen with steady eyes, one hand resting near his belt. Then he turned his head and saw Willowyn behind the pillar. He did not call out. He only held her gaze. Willowyn's heart pounded. She should have fled up the stair. Instead she stepped into the light. “I do not like mortals but I am no monster” the queen speaks”You men will have rooms and food and you can stay as long as you bring no trouble” Willowyn smiles, strangers and mortal men at that in our walls, this could be a wonderful thing